Jonny on the Cutting Edge of Engineering

Jonny Bryans (24) from East Belfast took a different route following unexpected AS Level grades but the young man hasn’t looked back and is carving a career for himself at the cutting edge of engineering.

Jonny said, “I was destined for A Levels and then university but when my AS Levels weren’t as expected, rather than repeat I did some research and found a course that would keep me moving forward.   I enrolled at SERC, on the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, and it proved the perfect fit for me.”

He added, “I really enjoyed the relaxed learning style compared to Sullivan Upper School, with more freedom as a student. College was better suited to my way of learning than moving from A Levels straight to university - I prefer coursework and hands on learning as opposed to exams.

“I was unsure of what route to proceed along after finishing my Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma. I was delighted to find there were plenty of options: HND, degree or Higher-Level Apprenticeship.  I first came across apprenticeships through a friend on my course who was also applying for one, so I did a bit of research and applied for a couple of Higher-Level Apprenticeships.  The backup plan was to continue my studies with a HND at SERC. Thankfully, on successful completion of the Manufacturing Engineering course, I was accepted for both apprenticeships I had applied for and chose to go with my current employer, Linamar Belfast.

“I was first employed by Linamar Belfast as a Higher-Level Toolmaking Apprentice. The company then put me through a Level 3 NVQ in Toolmaking and CNC Machining so I would be a fully qualified Toolmaker. Since then, I have progressed in the company to become a CNC Process Technician and they supported me to carry on my studies. As part of the Higher-Level Apprenticeship, I have just graduated with my Ulster University Foundation Degree in Mechatronics with Distinction. Now that I have that qualification, I will hopefully be promoted to become a CNC Process Engineer."

Jonny concluded, “I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route if the opportunity is available. Through my Higher-Level Apprenticeship, I have received on the job learning from experts in the industry, a foundation degree which was paid for by my employer, and I have been earning a living all at the same time. The information, knowledge and skills I have acquired in the workplace, both in term of engineering and working with large complex teams of people, could not compare to where I would be at this stage had I gone straight to university.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at SERC and to access the Mentor Connect resources visit MentorConnect.